Just the job - Employment and Enterprise Awards 2008

• 15/08/2008

The third annual Back on the Map Employment and Enterprise awards were a showcase for the achievement and determination of residents and businesses from across Hendon and the East End. 

The awards, held on Thursday 14 August at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, recognise the achievements of residents who have taken part in one of the range of Back on the Map employment projects designed to help boost employment and enterprise in Hendon and the East End. There were over 70 nominations for the awards, in a range of categories from residents setting up their first business to those who have overcome significant barriers to employment and are now making progress in their chosen career.

The overall award for newly established enterprise, sponsored by Thompson Building Centres, went to Michelle Martin who runs Hudson’s Café. As well as setting up the business, Michelle has also been looking new ways to diversify and grow her business in order to create jobs and volunteering opportunities for local people.

Michelle’s nomination said: “Michelle is a fantastic local role model, she has overcome many barriers on her way to business and will no doubt face many more, but she is determined to make a success of her venture.”
 
The overall winner in the vocational training category was sponsored by Sunderland University. The award went to Melanie Kitching who was nominated for her perseverance and determination to achieve her goals. 

After a period of ill health Melanie found that undertaking short training courses helped her manage her condition and increase her confidence. With the support of Job Linkage Melanie progressed through a number of business and administration qualifications and passed her driving test. Melanie gained employment as Contact Centre support worker, where she successfully managed the centre for four months in her supervisor’s absence. Melanie has recently completed a Preparation for Teaching qualification with City of Sunderland College and is currently studying for her Assessors qualification to further her development.

The overall award for overcoming barriers to employment, which was sponsored by Alex Smiles Ltd, was won by Billy Tyrell. After a severe injury ended his amateur boxing career and following the death of his father, Billy adopted a lifestyle that impacted negatively on his health. He was referred to Job Linkage and Broker North East by Sunderland Home Care, for advice, information and support to take up employment. At the time he was in receipt of incapacity benefit, but he made major lifestyle changes which had positive outcomes. Following a successful interview and a satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check Billy was offered employment with Sunderland Home Care Associates as a Mentor and Academic Support Worker for students with learning disabilities. He has now been in employment for more than six months, and is very highly regarded by both students and staff.

Members of the public also had a chance to contribute to the awards and were able to nominate for the support worker and employer awards.

Chair of Back on the Map’s employment theme, resident director Alistair Newton said: “This has been a fantastic evening, where we have been able to reward so many people for their hard work, determination and drive, which has helped them towards achieving their goals.

“To me the most important message about these awards is that with the right attitude, and the right kind of support if you need it, you can do anything. All the winners, and everyone who was nominated for an award tonight, should be very proud, not only of what they have achieved, but that people around them have recognised that achievement.”

Full list of winners:

Newly Established Enterprise Awards

Resident setting up first business – sponsored by Sunderland Dance CIC
Adam Carr – Artisan Joinery

New business setting up in the Back on the Map area – sponsored by Piglet Promotional Gifts
Michelle Martin – Hudson’s Café

New business with community or social objectives – sponsored by Sit ‘n b Fit
Sunderland Dance CIC - Chris Pearman and Deloris Martin

Newly established enterprise - overall winner
Sponsored by Thompson Building Centres
Michelle Martin, Hudson’s Café

Vocational Training Awards

Learner achievement under 25 – sponsored by Into Work Limited
Callum Gardener

Learner achievement over 25 – sponsored by Training in Childcare
Melanie Kitching

Group achievement award – sponsored by Sunderland North Community Business Centre
Community Decorator Team - Gary Jacob, Callum Gardener, Callum Cook, Michael Anderson, Ian Allan, Stuart Downie, Ian Loughlin, Joe White, Blaine Rarity, Lewis Bulmer, Michael Little

Vocational training awards - overall winner
Sponsored by Sunderland University
Melanie Kitching

Overcoming Barriers to Employment Awards
There are three awards in this category

Sponsored by SES
Billy Tyrrell

Sponsored by Shaw Trust Limited
Rose Ann Chipp

Sponsored by ETEC (Sunderland) Limited
Ana & Yusuf Jamal

Overcoming barriers to employment - overall winner
Sponsored by Alex Smiles Limited
Billy Tyrell

Support Worker Champion Award
There are three awards in this category

Sponsored by Sunderland Home Care Associates
John Winter – ETEC

Sponsored by Raich Carter Centre Sports Centre
Alan Christie and Paul Hutchinson – Community Decorators

Sponsored by Home Group
Nina Sumby – Job Linkage

Employer Award
Sponsored by Gentoo
ETEC (Sunderland) Limited
 
Commendations
Sponsored by Sunderland City Council and Job Linkage
The following residents receive special recognition for their dedication and effort in achieving their goals:
Alison Burnell, Sandra Bannan, Stephen Halliman, Kelly Sly
The Big Picture Art Project Trainees - Junia Begum, Sokina Begum, Paul Corcoran, Terri Kerrigan, Joy Meah, Rabina Begum, Denise Mason, Claire Toolin

Ends

Image details: Resident director and chair of Back on the Map’s employment theme, Alistair Newton, pictured with overall winners Michelle Martin and Melanie Kitching.

Media contact:
Sarah Hudspeth, Communications Manager at Back on the Map, on 07917 204725, email shudspeth@backonthemap.org 
 
Notes to editors:
The programmes for the event were sponsored by Paul Finlayson Server 2000/Exchange Solutions, tickets were sponsored by BlackPrint and the trophies were sponsored by Dunelm Glass.

Back on the Map manages the £54 million government-funded, community-led New Deal for Communities (NDC) regeneration programme in Sunderland's East End and Hendon. We are on a 10 year mission (2001 - 2011) to improve the area and local people's quality of life. Back on the Map is working hand-in-hand with residents and partner agencies to achieve this goal and create lasting change for today's and future generations.

We aim to:
*       boost education standards and encourage lifelong learning;
*       reduce crime and the fear of crime, and improve community safety;
*       provide decent homes in a safe and clean environment;
*       increase job and training opportunities;
*       improve the health and well-being of residents;
*       involve the whole of the community in everything we do.